Fugitive chews off his fingertips so he 'can't get caught'

A US fugitive desperate not to be identified by his prints chewed off his fingertips.

Kirk Kelly started nibbling at his hands after being stopped by police in Ohio on suspicion of drug offences.

But because he had completely chewed of the ends of his fingers, police are now holding him in custody facing charges of evidence tampering and obstructing official business.

Kelly is also facing counts of falsification and resisting arrest.

Police in Tallmadge said Kelly, from Tampa, Florida, and several other people were put into a police car without handcuffs after their vehicle was stopped and officers thought they smelled drugs.

Kelly gave false names as officers tried to identify him but police quickly rumbled him after photos of his tattoos were provided by colleagues in Florida, where he is wanted for firearms and drugs offences.